The pioneers of modern furniture design in America in the mid-20th century all had their moments of flamboyance: Charles and Ray Eames produced the startling, biomorphic La Chaise; George Nelson’s firm created the Marshmallow sofa; Edward Wormley had his decadent Listen to Me chaise. But no designer of the day steadily offered works with more verve and dynamism than Vladimir Kagan. While others, it seems, designed with suburban households in mind, Kagan aimed to suit the tastes of young, sophisticated city-dwellers. With signature designs that feature sleekly curved frames and others that have dramatic out-thrust legs, Kagan made furniture sexy.
Kagan’s father was a Russian master cabinetmaker who took his family first to Germany (where Vladimir was born) and then to New York in 1938. After studying architecture at Columbia University, Kagan opened a design firm at age 22 and immediately made a splash with his long, low and sinuous Serpentine sofa. Furniture lines such as the Tri-symmetric group of glass-topped, three-legged tables and the vivacious Contours chairs soon followed.
Kagan’s choices of form and materials evolved through subsequent decades, embracing lucite, aluminum and burl-wood veneers. By the late 1960s, Kagan was designing austere, asymmetrical cabinets and his Omnibus group of modular sofas and chairs. For all his aesthetic élan, Kagan said that throughout his career, his touchstone was comfort. “A lot of modern furniture was not comfortable. And so comfort is: form follows function. The function was to make it comfortable,” he once commented. “I created what I called vessels for the human body.”
A diverse group of bodies have made themselves at home with Kagan designs. Among the famous names who commissioned and collected his designs are Marilyn Monroe, Gary Cooper, Andy Warhol, David Lynch, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, and firms such as Gucci and Giorgio Armani. His work is in numerous museum collections, including those of the Victoria & Albert and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Because of its idiosyncrasy, Kagan’s work did not lend itself to mass-production. Kagan never signed on with any of the major furniture-making corporations, and examples of his designs are relatively rare. As you will see from the offerings on 1stDibs, even decades after their conception, Kagan pieces still command the eye, with their freshness, energy, sensuality and wit.
Omnibus Settee by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A geometric, uncommon and finely proportioned demi-backed sofa from the Omnibus collection having a waterfall edge and covered in a plush grey velvet upholstery.
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan "Omnibus" Black Suede Upholstered Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Astoria, NY
Vladimir Kagan "Omnibus" Black Suede Upholstered Sofa, with lucite base. 28" H x 120" W x 32" D; seat: 17" H. Provenance: From a SoHo, New York Collection.
Suede, Upholstery, Lucite
Vladimir Kagan "Omnibus" Black Suede Upholstered Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Astoria, NY
Vladimir Kagan "Omnibus" Black Suede Upholstered Sofa, with lucite base. 28" H x 120" W x 32" D; seat: 17" H. Provenance: From a SoHo, New York Collection.
Suede, Upholstery, Lucite
Vladimir Kagan Swan Back Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vladimir Kagan Swan back Sofa faux leather and steel
Upholstery
Sloane Sectional Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Atlanta, GA
Established in 2008, the Vladimir Kagan Couture collection features a selection of the Classic Kagan designs from 1950s to his new designs from 21st century. One of the new designs on offer here is the New Moon sofa...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
Fantastic Sectional Omnibus Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Atlanta, GA
The sectional sofa with Lucite supporting legs features three units, a right arm section, a middle corner return and an ottoman. Plush cushions and all upholstered body. One of the i...
Vladimir Kagan Attributed Sofa and Swivel Chair
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
This is a unique design attributed Vladmir Kagan that we believe he did for boutique hotels. The swivel chair butts up to the sofa and can fit two people. The swivel turns 360 degree...
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan, "Unicorn" Sofa, Lucite, Velvet, USA, c. 1975
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in High Point, NC
A curved velvet and lucite "Unicorn" sofa, designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Vladimir Kagan Designs, Inc. Model originally designed with metal base, present example is a ra...
Velvet, Lucite
Vladimir Kagan "Zoe" Sofa, 2000s
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Coronado, CA
A stunning and sophisticated serpentine sofa by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather circa 2000s. This piece has been masterfully reupholstered: the front back and the bottom band fea...
Fabric
Vladimir Kagan for American Leather Curved 'Zoe' Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Embrace the epitome of iconic design with this stunning vintage Mid Century "Zoe" Sofa, an homage to the legendary Vladimir Kagan's signature aesthetics. Designed by Kagan for Americ...
Suede
Vladimir Kagan High 'Barrel Back' Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
High back 'Barrel' sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Kagan-Dreyfuss, c.1950s, USA. The sofa is newly upholstered in a warm silver ribbed mohair Holly Hunt fabric. The luxurious three seater...
Upholstery, Mohair
Sloane Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Preview, 1990
By Preview, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Sloane sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Preview, 1990. Original upholstery
Velvet
3 Piece Modular Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Preview, 1988
By Vladimir Kagan, Preview
Located in Chicago, IL
3 Piece Modular sectional sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Preview, 1988. Original white fabric is in good condition. There is a spot on one cushi...
Fabric
Vladimir Kagan “Matinee” Sofa /Daybed for American Leather
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Roanoke, VA
Beautiful "Matinee" sofa that doubles as daybed designed by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather. The sofa converts effortlessly into daybed by removing the bolster back and side bol...
Textile
Vladimir Kagan, Sofa, Walnut, Fabric, USA, 1960s
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in High Point, NC
A possibly unique walnut and off-white fabric sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Kagan-Dreyfuss, USA, 1960s. Provenance: Sofa custom ordered the apartment of Susan Schl...
Fabric, Walnut
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine sofa Directional USA 1999
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
This sculptural lounge sofa, designed by the renowned Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in the United States in 1999, stands as an iconic piece of modern furniture design. K...
Chrome
Zoe Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather
By Vladimir Kagan, American Leather
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 2000s. The Zoe sofa was one of Vladimir Kagan’s last designs. Made by American Leather /Room and Board. Upholstered in original micro suede. The biomorphic shape similar to Kagan’...
Fabric
$33,000
H 30 in W 134 in D 61 in
Exceptional Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Large Sectional Sofa Rust Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vladimir Kagan (1927-2016) Serpentine sofa, #150 Exceptional and large unique curvaceous form USA, newly upholstered rust color bouclé fabric, walnut base in good condition unmarked and comes with receipt from Haute Living...
Bouclé, Walnut
V. Kagan "Omnibus" Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in New York, NY
An original Vladimir Kagan "Omnibus" Sofa with Lucite base and original upholstery. The grey mixed wool upholstery should probably be redone.
Wool, Lucite
Vladimir Kagan Omnibus Sectional
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Amarillo, TX
Vladimir Kagan Omnibus sectional Vladimir Kagan Couture USA designed 1953 c. 2000s upholstery, acrylic 37 h x 167.5 l x 110 d inches (me...
Acrylic
Vladimir Kagan Omnibus Sectional
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Kagan sectional by Vladimir Kagan designs, Inc U.S.A. Sectional is comprised of two components; one sofa measuring, the other can be used connected or separated. Reupholstered w...
Lucite, Upholstery
Omnibus Sofa By Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A generously proportioned even-arm sofa on lucite slab legs retaining its original expressive graphic fabric by Jack Lenor Larsen.
Upholstery, Lucite
Omnibus Sectional by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
Modular sofa with original velvet upholstery.
Velvet
Vladimir Kagan Omnibus Sofa for Gucci
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Wayne, NJ
Vladimir Kagan omnibus sofa for Gucci. Unusual chrome Front.
Vladimir Kagan Omnibus Sectional Sofa, 1980
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Hamburg, PA
A large, functional Vladimir Kagan omnibus L shaped sectional sofa with Lucite floating bases, 1980. Sofa is in very good condition. Dimensions: Seat heig...
Upholstery, Lucite
Omnibus Sectional Sofa By Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A dramatic, geometric and comfortable v-shaped sectional continuous-backed sofa of generous proportions, having an open end, lucite bases and finely upholstered in a cream bouclé fab...
Lucite, Upholstery
'Omnibus' Sofa and Ottomans by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Omnibus sofa with two square ottomans by Vladimir Kagan. The rectilinear sofa features one thick Lucite leg, lightening the otherwise robust modular form....
Vladimir Kagan Omnibus Modular Sofa in Mohair
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in San Diego, CA
Designed in 1953 by Vladimir Kagan, the Omnibus sectional sofa is an "interior environment". This is an incredible collectors piece the iconic Vladimir Kagan Omnibus modular sofa. Th...
Mohair
Vladimir Kagan Extraordinary Omnibus Collection Sofa, 1975
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Large sectional sofa, upholstered with lucite bases, by Vladimir Kagan, Omnibus Collection, American 1975. This sofa is completely modular with 1 Corner with extension unit, 1 High-L...
Upholstery, Foam, Lucite, Wood
Vladimir Kagan Sofa Omnibus Chaise Lounge for Gucci
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Wayne, NJ
Vladimir Kagan Omnibus chaise longue for Gucci.
Omnibus Sectional Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Omnibus Sectional by Vladimir Kagan for Directional. Consisting of two pieces. Excellent restored condition. Lucite legs Let the sofa appear to float.
Lucite
Vladimir Kagan Exceptional Omnibus Collection Sofa 1975 'signed'
By Preview, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Large sectional sofa, upholstered with Lucite bases, by Vladimir Kagan, Omnibus Collection, American 1975 (signed with original labels). This sofa is completely modular with 2 corner...
Upholstery, Foam, Lucite, Wood
Vladimir Kagan Sectional Omnibus Sofa in Grey Velvet
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, grey upholstery, metal base, design 1956, execution, 1970s. This hefty, sculptural omnibus sofa by Vladimir Kagan has a sculptural beauty thanks to its absolute clarity of for...
Velvet